Eels' edict on Lyon
August 4, 2004
PARRAMATTA are poised to shock rugby league by releasing runaway centre Jamie Lyon but only if he joins Penrith and not Manly.
The explosive development could lead to the Sea Eagles starting legal action against Parramatta for restraint of trade.
The Daily Telegraph understands Lyon would return to the NRL next season although the proposal is in its infancy.
Lyon walked out on Parramatta on March 16 this year and has played the past six months with his hometown club the Wee Waa Panthers in Group 4.
Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald has not officially met with Penrith over the possible deal but some senior Panthers managers are aware of the situation.
"We have agreed to give Jamie permission to speak with Penrith," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald is holding discussions through Mick Kelly - a former Penrith player and also Lyon's uncle and secondary manager.
Kelly, who wants his nephew to join Penrith, spoke to Parramatta general manager of football Greg Mitchell yesterday.
The Eels would ask Penrith for a release fee.
There are, however, some concerns that Penrith may not be able to fit Lyon into their salary cap.
The possible signing of former Test player Lyon would be ideal for Penrith who lose 2003 grand final centres Ryan Girdler (retirement) and Paul Whatuira (Wests Tigers) at the end of the season.
It is understood Lyon was interested in joining Manly because of his friendship with former Parramatta official, now Manly recruitment officer, Noel Cleal.
This is understood to be the cause of tensions between the two clubs.
Fitzgerald was reluctant to discuss the Lyon drama last night but did say: "We were approached by Mick Kelly about Jamie joining Penrith. Jamie has said he didn't like city life but Penrith is a semi-rural area.
"We are only discussing the issue at this stage. We haven't released him - I want to make that point."
Manly chief executive Paul Cummings contacted Fitzgerald yesterday asking for the Sea Eagles to hold discussions with Lyon. Fitzgerald refused.
Asked why he rejected Manly, Fitzgerald said: "No comment."
Cummings said: "I rang Denis as I understood the Parramatta club was to give Jamie a release.
"He indicated it was a release to Penrith.
"I asked whether Manly could join the discussions. Denis said no. He said it was Penrith and Penrith only.
"Personally I think it is a restraint of trade and that is dangerous ground."
Asked if Manly would consider legal proceedings, Cummings said: "We'll wait and see. We don't want a slanging match with Parramatta. We did tell Parramatta we wouldn't interfere with the process."
The former representative centre quit the NRL, citing a dislike for city life.
